Ken has was first licensed in 1955 and credits amateur radio for launching his interests in science, engineering and oceanography. He was awarded BChE & MEng (Chemical) from the University of Louisville and later MNucE & MS (Oceanography) from the University of Washington. Ken entered the Navy through the NROTC program, and served in the Nuclear Submarine Service commanding two nuclear fast attack submarines and then serving as the senior member of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Operational Reactor Safeguards Examining team responsible for evaluating the safety of nuclear ships, tenders, and shore facilities. He was presented the “Legion of Merit” (three awards) and other honors during his 25 year Naval career.

Ken retired from the Navy and joined the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) as a team manager and senior representative. INPO is an industry excellence-in-safety organization formed after the accident at Three Mile Island to oversee and evaluate nuclear safety at commercial nuclear generating stations. He then served as Vice President of the Advanced Reactor Corporation (developing new electric generation reactor designs), President of KRK Inc., and as an expert with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

After many busy but rewarding years Ken is now devoting more time on the air and pursuing interests in scientific activities that align with his education and experience supporting meaningful initiatives. He is a member of his area Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) organization, enjoys teaching leadership and facilitating professional teams in business and non-profit organizations to attain challenging performance objectives. Ken is also a long time member of Rotary International (motto “Service Above Self”) and is a member of R.O.A.R. (Rotarians of Amateur Radio).

Ken reports that being a member of the Heard Island Expedition is a tremendous honor and the kind of meaningful challenge he relishes.